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Two Oceans Aquarium |
Cape Town: The Two Oceans Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium is an all weather, all year round destination which offers its visitors a glimpse into a world usually reserved for a fortunate few.
Showcasing the diversity of marine life off the South African coastline, the Aquarium is one of Cape Town's top tourist attractions. More than 50 exhibits in 6 major galleries explore the habitats surrounding the southernmost tip of Africa.
The four largest exhibits are the I&J Predator Exhibit (2.2 million litres); Kelp Forest Exhibit (800,000 litres), the Sappi 'River Meander' exhibit (a series of smaller exhibits), and our temporary exhibit 'The Living Dead' - travelled in time, locked in rock.
Attractions:
Predator Exibit at the Two Oceans Aquarium (Cape Town)
The I&J Predator Exhibit contains some 2.2 million litres of seawater and is perhaps the most dramatic exhibit in the Aquarium. Ragged-tooth sharks; shoals of Yellowtail, Garrick and many other fishes; several species of rays and a turtle are visible through an enormous 11 metre wide by 4 metre high acrylic panel.
There are several spectacular viewing points such as the semi-tunnel, which hugs the perimeter of the exhibit. This affords visitors a thrilling encounter as sharks drift menacingly overhead.
The feeding of the inhabitants in the I&J Predator Exhibit is a spectacular sight and a definite highlight in a visit to the Aquarium.
There is a 'general feed' in which all the fishes in the display are fed. This feeding frenzy is astounding as the fishes swim at great speeds and devour everything in sight (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 15h30). The gully sharks, eagle rays and a loggerhead turtle are fed on a separate occasion. The turtle keeps everyone amused as it hovers around the divers, occasionally giving them a nip if it is being ignored for too long (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 15h30). The most exciting feed, which has everyone transfixed in anticipation, is the hand feeding of the Ragged-tooth sharks on Sundays at 15h30
River Meander at the Aquarium in Cape Town
This exhibit traces the course of a river from its mouth, back through a freshwater reedbed, to its origin as a stream high up in the mountains. A small colony of African Penguins (an endangered species) and Rockhopper penguins (a sub-Antarctic species) lives on the beach washed by gentle waves. Here you can see them feeding, preening and darting to and fro beneath the waves. Several African black oystercatchers (another endangered species) can also be seen, wading at the water's edge.
Further along, you are transported to a crisp mountain setting where waterfalls cascade into a variety of rock pools, surrounded by lush green vegetation. These pools are home to freshwater fishes unique tot he Western Cape and highly endangered. These include Clanwilliam Yellowfish and Redfin minnows.
The value of this display as an educational resource is outstanding, as one is able to gain an overall perspective of an entire river ecosystem at a glance.
For more information please visit the Two Oceans
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